The Buffalo Bills need help at wide receiver. When Andre Holmes is playing meaningful snaps and Kelvin Benjamin isn’t gaining separation, you need to help your quarterbacks out a little bit. Here are some candidates, why they make sense, and why they don’t make sense as we approach the NFL’s trade deadline this afternoon.
Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos
It makes sense because:Thomas is due a change of scenery after spending his career in Denver. Asked about a trade on Monday, the soon-to-be 31-year-old acknowledge as much. The Broncos want his salary gone.
It doesn’t make sense because:The Bills are playing for 2019 now, and at $14 million in base salary, it will be hard to keep the aging receiver on the roster even with the massive cap space Buffalo possesses. If he can’t be part of the long-term, I’m not sure why they would add him.
Thomas was traded to the Houston Texans for a 4th round pick and a swap of 7th rounders.
DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins
It makes sense because:
A former first round pick, Parker is entering the prime of his career and is still under contract in 2019. Buffalo gets a one-year look to see if he can become the receiver he was drafted to be. He has fallen out of favor in Miami, and was benched prior to injuries forcing Adam Gase’s hand.
It doesn’t make sense because:
Miami would probably take a lower offer from a team outside the AFC East, so Buffalo would have to overpay for him. He’s topped out at 744 yards and four touchdowns, and his production has steadily declined. He’s injury-prone.
DeSean Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It makes sense because:
Sean McDermott and LeSean McCoy know him from the Philadelphia Eagles and he’s under contract in 2019, and could provide a bridge to a rookie WR. He’s averaging 22.8 yards per catch in 2018 despite being 32. He’s also asked for a trade.
It doesn’t make sense because:
He’s due $10 million next year and more than $5.5 million remaining this season. He asked for a trade from the struggling Bucs, so he probably won’t be happy going to a worse passing offense.
Golden Tate, Detroit Lions
It makes sense because:Detroit has some up-and-comers waiting in the wings they want to give some snaps to. He’s coming off back-to-back 1000-yard seasons and three in four years and is on pace for another. He could also help mentor Zay Jones and the rest of a young receivers room.
It doesn’t make sense because:Tate is going to be a free agent at the end of the year and is 30.
Tate was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third round pick.
Emmanuel Sanders, Denver Broncos
It makes sense because:
Like his teammate Thomas, Sanders is due a change of scenery from Denver, who is in a selling mood. He is under contract for 2019, which is helpful for the Bills who might not be able to attract a free agent. He’s back on track after a slow 2017 season.
It doesn’t make sense because:
Sanders is already 31 and due $10 million in 2019.
Pierre Garcon, San Francisco 49ers
It makes sense because:
He’s under contract for the foreseeable future with a consistent track record.
It doesn’t make sense because:
Dude is 32 and on a steep decline.
Mohamed Sanu, Atlanta Falcons
It makes sense because:
Calvin Ridley has made Sanu expendable in Atlanta, who is falling behind in a strong NFC North. Sanu’s targets have fallen dramatically in 2018 and his lack of long-term production could make him a bargain on the trade market. Injuries and salary have piled up for Atlanta, putting them in a selling mood. Sanu is already under contract for two more seasons, and could bridge the gap to a 2019 rookie receiver.
It doesn’t make sense because:
I’m struggling to find a downside here. Buffalo has the cap space to overpay a guy like Sanu. but his cap hit is still really manageable. (He’s owed $6 million in 2019 and $6.5 million in 2020 plus about $3 million in 2018.) He’s been on successful offenses, but if Buffalo gets into a bidding war and his price jumps up higher than a mid-round pick, it could get dicey. Maybe Shaq Lawson becomes part of a potential deal, though...